DNA Damage In Patients Research Articles

Oxidative and chromosomal DNA damage in patients with type I Gaucher disease and carriers

Background and aimsGaucher disease (GD) is caused by a genetic deficiency of the beta-glucocerebrosidase enzyme which results in the accumulation of glucosylceramide in macrophages. This accumulation may induce oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage in patients with GD. The aim of this study was to assess plasma 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN-cyt) assay parameters in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with GD and carriers, evaluate the possible associations of these values with GD, and determine whether they can be used as potential biomarkers in GD. MethodsThis study included 20 patients with type 1 GD, six carriers, and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. CBMN-cyt assay parameters in peripheral blood lymphocytes of the patients with GD, carriers, and controls were evaluated and 8-OHdG levels in their plasma samples were measured. ResultsCBMN-cyt assay parameters in patients with GD and carriers were not significantly different when compared with controls (p > 0.05). However, plasma 8-OHdG levels were found to be higher in both patients with GD and carriers than in control subjects (p < 0.01). ConclusionsOxidative DNA damage may be a useful prognostic tool, whereas the CBMN-cyt assay cannot be used as a predictive biomarker of GD.

Reflection of p53 phenotype in tumor tissue by genotypic variants in glutathione S-transferases: An association with DNA damage in lung adenocarcinoma

BackgroundGenetic deficiency of glutathione S-transferase (GST) results in the accumulation of tobacco carcinogens. Consequently, the elevated risk of lung carcinoma is due to increased DNA damage and p53 caretaker gene mutational frequency. ObjectiveWhether GSTM1, GSTT1 deletion, and GSTP1 Ile105Val variants genotypes are associated with the relative risk of developing p53 mutant expression and DNA damage in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. MethodsGenetic polymorphisms in GSTM1 (+/−), GSTT1 (+/−), and GSTP1 (Ile 105 Val) were identified using restriction fragment length PCR. Subsequently, the p53 phenotype was categorized as the mutant type (>50 % and ++/+++ intensity on immunohistochemistry). Lymphocytic DNA damage was assessed using a comet assay. ResultsSmoking pack-years [median (Q1-Q3); 3.5; 37.3–60.5] were associated with p53 mutant expression. Pack-years in the wild-type p53 expression group (38; 18.5–48.5, p = 0.01). The GSTM1 (−/−) null genotype was significantly associated with the risk of p53 mutant expression (RR: 1.81, p = 0.03). GSTP1 (Val/Val) also showed a significant relative risk for p53 mutant phenotype (RR: 2.23, p = 0.04). In contrast, GSTT1 was not associated with the p53 phenotype. GSTM1 (−/−)/GSTP1 (Val/Val) combined genotype showed a significant additive effect on p53 mutant phenotypic expression (RR: 4.0, p = 0.019). DNA damage was significantly associated with GSTM1 (−/−), GSTT1 (−/−) deletion genotypes, and smoking (p = 0.001, p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001, respectively). However, the p53 phenotype was not associated with DNA damage in lymphocytes. ConclusionGSTM1 (−/−) and GSTP1 (Val/Val) genotypes increased the relative risk of the p53 mutant phenotype by two-fold. GSTM1 (−/−)/GSTP1 (Val/Val) amplified the risk of the p53 mutant phenotype by four-fold. DNA damage was significantly associated with smoking, GSTM1, and GSTT1 deletions.

Tissue Remodeling and Increased DNA Damage in Patients With Incompetent Valves in Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Tissue Remodeling and Increased DNA Damage in Patients With Incompetent Valves in Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Sequential evaluation of DNA damage in patients with head and neck carcinoma receiving radiotherapy

Background: Head and neck cancers account for about 30% of all cancers in India. Studies showed that there is an increased primary DNA damage even before the commencement of any modality of treatment in cancer patients which is further increased by the treatment. Chemo-radiation induced DNA damage is not repaired so effectively in patients with carcinoma which might pave way for secondary carcinoma. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the degree of DNA damage by comet assay technique in patients with head and neck carcinoma receiving radiotherapy. The degree of DNA damage was compared according to the age, gender, and associated risk factors of the patients. Materials and Methods: 35 patients with Stages II, III, and IVA, histopathologically confirmed Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck with Karnofsky Performance Status &gt;70 attending radiotherapy OPD for treatment were included in this study.1 ml of heparinized blood was collected from the study participants during various doses of radiation treatment. All the samples were processed immediately and analyzed for DNA damage by single cell gel electrophoresis assay - Comet assay technique. Results: The comet length parameter, head diameter, and tail length were found to be increased when compared to baseline sample. The percentage of DNA in head parameter of post-RT sample was decreased when compared to baseline sample All these findings are indicative of DNA damage following radiotherapy. Conclusion: Patients with locally advanced head and neck carcinoma following radiotherapy showed a sequential increase in the DNA damage. The co-existing risk factors and old age may increase the baseline DNA damage in the patients with head and neck cancers.

The Evaluation of Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis and Oxidative DNA Damage in Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to examine thiol/disulfide homeostasis and oxidative DNA damage in patients with OCD and compare them with healthy controls.MethodsThirty-five patients previously diagnosed with OCD in Van Yuzuncu Yil University Department of Psychiatry and thirty-three healthy volunteers were included in the study. The severity of the symptoms was measured using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Five μL of blood samples were taken from the patient and control groups. The samples were stored at appropriate conditions until use. Leukocyte DNA was isolated and the levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and deoxyguanosine were detected to assess the oxidative DNA damage. The level of oxidative DNA damage was expressed as 8-OHdG/106dG. Total thiol/native thiol levels were measured for thiol/disulfide homeostasis. The level of disulfide was determined by subtracting the native thiol value from the total thiol value and the result was divided by two. Results were given as percentages.ResultsThe total and native thiol levels in patients with OCD were significantly lower, and the disulfide levels were significantly higher in patients with OCD than healthy control subjects. In addition, 8-OHdG, an indicator of DNA damage, was significantly lower in the control group compared to the patient group.ConclusionIncreased levels of disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol in patients with OCD show that levels of oxidative stress were elevated and therefore, higher 8-OHdG levels in patients with OCD is a marker of oxidative DNA damage.

Influence of Non-Thermal Plasma (DBD) On Infertility Male Semen with Low Sperm Motility and Dna Damage

Non-thermal plasma(Dielectric barrier discharge) has many uses including living tissue sterilization, inactivation of the bacteria, excimer formation, angiogenesis, and surface treatment. This research aim is to use cold plasma as a tool to search the effect of the dielectric barrier discharge system at room temperature on human sperm motility and DNA integrity. This work was performed on 60 human semen samples suffering from low motility; each sample was prepared by centrifugation method, then each semen sample was divided into two sections, the first section is before significant exposure to the plasma system (DBD) and the second section is after treatment with the DBD system at ambient temperature. Before and after exposure to non-thermal Plasma (DBD), DNA integrity and sperm motility were assessed, patients suffered from asthenospermia has a high level of DNA fragmentation than fertile male, ( 24.16±4.14) p&lt;0.001 for untreated and after treatment the semen slide with dielectric barrier discharge the percentage decreases to (9.16±1.76) p&gt;0.006, and the comet slide was (35.44±4.15) then the percentage decline to (19.86 ±2.44) these results have shown that cold plasma improves sperm motility and decreases from DNA damage in patients with medium and high level of DNA damage.

Analysis of Short-Term and Stable DNA Damage in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Treated with 131I in Hypothyroidism or with Recombinant Human Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone for Remnant Ablation.

It is well known that ionizing radiation can induce genetic damage and that oxidative stress is a major factor inducing it. Our aim was to investigate whether thyroid remnant ablation with low activities of 131I (1,850 MBq) is associated with DNA damage by evaluating the CometAssay, micronuclei, and chromosome aberrations with multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization. Methods: We studied 62 patients prepared with recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) or by thyroid hormone withdrawal. In both groups, we analyzed stable and unstable genetic alterations before 131I therapy and 1 wk and 3 mo after 131I administration. We also correlated the genetic damage with several variables, including the degree of radiation-induced oxidative stress, genetic polymorphisms of enzymes involved in DNA repair, and antioxidative stress. Results: We found a comparable amount of DNA breaks evaluated by CometAssay and micronuclei testing in both groups of patients at different time points, but there was a significant increase in stable chromosome aberrations evaluated by multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization (breaks and translocations) in patients prepared with thyroid hormone withdrawal. Overall, high chromosome damage was associated with higher retained body radioactivity and unfavorable gene polymorphism. A high level of free oxygen radicals and a low level of antioxidants were found in all patients at any time point. In particular, patients prepared with thyroid hormone withdrawal, at 3 mo, had significantly higher levels of free oxygen radicals than those prepared with rhTSH. Conclusion: An increase in stable chromosome aberrations with respect to baseline is detectable after administration of low doses of 131I in patients prepared with thyroid hormone withdrawal but not in patients prepared with rhTSH. The clinical significance of these chromosomal alterations remains to be determined.

Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on nitrosative stress and oxidative DNA damage parameters in patients with a depressive episode

Background Few studies have investigated the relationship between electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and markers of nitrosative stress and oxidative DNA damage. Objective The aim of this study is to examine changes in nitrosative stress and oxidative DNA damage in patients with a depressive episode treated with ECT. Methods The current study included 48 patients with a depressive episode treated with ECT and 30 healthy control participants. First, the serum nitrosative stress markers of nitric oxide (NO•), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and the oxidative DNA damage marker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were compared between the study and control groups. These parameters were also compared pre- and post-treatment for the study group. Results NO•, NOS, and ONOO- levels were significantly higher in patients with depressive disorder (DD) than in the control group. NO• and NOS levels significantly decreased in the ECT group after treatment while 8-OHdG levels significantly increased. Conclusions The study findings suggest that ECT may have reduced nitrosative stress levels while increasing oxidative DNA damage. More research is now needed to better understand the issue. KEY POINTS Nitrosative stress levels can increase in patients with depressive disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy may reduce nitrosative stress while increasıng oxidative DNA damage. These results suggest that nitrosative stress plays an important role in the mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy.

The evaluation of sperm DNA damage in patients with different varicocele grades

Aim: Varicocele, abnormal dilatation of pampiniform venous plexus, is classified into three groups: 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. The aim of our research is to show the differences among the three different varicocele grades based on the results of their sperm DNA damage and blood biochemical parameters.Methods: We examined 30 patients which were classified into three groups: Group 1 (healthy), Group 2 (grades 1 and 2) and Group 3 (grade 3). The semen samples were examined in terms of DNA damage via comet assay. The blood samples were assessed using catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.Results: According to the comet findings, Group 2 and Group 3 parameters were significantly higher than Group 1 (p &amp;lt; 0.01). In the biochemical findings, we observed decreased CAT and SOD activities and an increased MDA level for Group 2 and Group 3. In our research, we showed that grades 1 and 2 had significant DNA damage in terms of infertility as much as grade 3.Conclusion: The results we derived indicate that the detection of DNA damage could be used as a predictor of infertility alongside routine semen and morphological analysis.

Study of Lipid Profile, Lipid Peroxidation and DNA Damage in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background and Objective: This study was conducted to investigate some clinical aspects of coronaryartery patients, as it included some tests for lipid oxidation and DNA damage and the extent of theirassociation with the risk of coronary artery disease in the Iraqi population. Results: The lipid showedsignificant differences between the preferred messages in measuring lipids, TG (P = 0.005), highdensitylipoprotein P = 0.018 (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) P = 0.004. It was named inlipid profile, and it was named In seizure patients (nonSTEMI). The glutathione analysis showed asignificant decrease in patients compared to healthy subjects, and the unstable, non-Stemi and Stemiseriesresults were significant, and the significant differences were at (P = 0.00036). As for the researchresults, the significant differences were when they were high (P = 0.00072). The results of the cometassay showed differences between the four groups, for the group of patients with unstable angina andwho suffer from a heart attack (Non-Stemi), the results showed close to average levels in the geneticmaterial (P = 0.00014). The highest damage in the genetic material of patients with coronary arterydisease was in patients suffering from a heart attack (Stemi) where the level of significant damage wasvery large compared to the rest of the groups (P = 0.00025). The results obtained on the biochemicallevels of GHs, VLDL, HDL, TG and MDA showed significant differences between the healthy and thegroups of patients with coronary artery disease below the probability level (P&gt; 0.05). Also, the incidenceof DNA damage in patients with coronary artery disease is much greater than healthy patients, and thisindicates a significant effect of DNA damage on blood vessels, and on the other hand, STEMI patientsare the most vulnerable to infection.

Tissue remodelling and increased DNA damage in patients with incompetent valves in chronic venous insufficiency.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), in which blood return to the heart is impaired, is a prevalent condition worldwide. Valve incompetence is a complication of CVI that results in blood reflux, thereby aggravating venous hypertension. While CVI has a complex course and is known to produce alterations in the vein wall, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined the presence of DNA damage, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix remodelling in CVI‐related valve incompetence. One hundred and ten patients with CVI were reviewed and divided into four groups according to age (<50 and ≥50 years) and a clinical diagnosis of venous reflux indicating venous system valve incompetence (R) (n = 81) or no reflux (NR) (n = 29). In vein specimens (greater saphenous vein) from each group, PARP, IL‐17, COL‐I, COL‐III, MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 expression levels were determined by RT‐qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The younger patients with valve incompetence showed significantly higher PARP, IL‐17, COL‐I, COL‐III, MMP‐2 and reduced TIMP‐2 expression levels and a higher COL‐I/III ratio. Young CVI patients with venous reflux suffer chronic DNA damage, with consequences at both the local tissue and systemic levels, possibly associated with ageing.

PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR DNA DAMAGE IDENTIFIED BY THE «СOMET» METHOD, AS A POSSIBLE INDICATOR OF SENSITIVITY OF MELANOMA TO IMMUNOTHERAPY WITH NIVOLUMAB

P urpose of the study : to assess whether the determination of the grade of dNA damage in the blood lymphocytes of patients with metastatic melanoma can be a criterion for assessing the effectiveness of therapy. Material and Methods. The grade of dNA damage in blood mononuclear cells was studied using the comet assay in 10 patients with progressive metastatic melanoma before therapy with Nivolumab and 3–4 months after Nivolumab therapy. Results. It was revealed that prior to treatment the level of dNA damage in blood mononuclears was higher in patients with melanoma than in controls (healthy subjects). This level significantly decreased when stable disease or complete regression were reached, while it changed less significantly or increased in cases with disease progression. Сonclusion. The initial level and changes in lymphocyte dNA damage in patients with melanoma can serve as a criterion for assessing tumor response to immunotherapy with Nivolumab.

Impact of Septoplasty on Oxidative DNA Damage Levels in Patients with Marked Nasal Septal Deviation

Objectives:Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is a common dilemma which cause nasal obstruction. Septoplasty is usually accomplished to solve nasal obstruction in patients with NSD. NSD is related strongly with hypoxia. Hypoxic conditions increase oxidative DNA damage in cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of septoplasty on the level of antioxidant agents in patients with marked NSD. Methods: Sixty-one patients who submitted to septoplasty were involved in our prospective investigation. Results: The difference between the pre- and postoperative levels of MDA and 8-OHdG/106 dG was statistically significant. Conclusions: Septoplasty is an elective surgery performed to prevent the decrease in quality of life due to nasal obstruction and frequent respiratory tract infections in patients with NSD. As seen in this study, septoplasty is an urgent surgery that should be performed urgently to prevent DNA damage in patients with NSD

Genome instability and loss of protein homeostasis: converging paths to neurodegeneration?

Genome instability and loss of protein homeostasis are hallmark events of age-related diseases that include neurodegeneration. Several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are characterized by protein aggregation, while an impaired DNA damage response (DDR) as in many genetic DNA repair disorders leads to pronounced neuropathological features. It remains unclear to what degree these cellular events interconnect with each other in the development of neurological diseases. This review highlights how the loss of protein homeostasis and genome instability influence one other. We will discuss studies that illustrate this connection. DNA damage contributes to many neurodegenerative diseases, as shown by an increased level of DNA damage in patients, possibly due to the effects of protein aggregates on chromatin, the sequestration of DNA repair proteins and novel putative DNA repair functions. Conversely, genome stability is also important for protein homeostasis. For example, gene copy number variations and the loss of key DDR components can lead to marked proteotoxic stress. An improved understanding of how protein homeostasis and genome stability are mechanistically connected is needed and promises to lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Assessment of Antioxidant Effect of Beta-Glucan on the Whole Blood Oxidative DNA Damage with the Comet Assay in Colorectal Cancer.

The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant effect of beta-glucan on oxidative DNA damage by comet assay. A total of 19 adult females and males diagnosed with stage 3-4 colorectal cancer and a control group of 20 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Blood samples of the participants were analyzed using Comet Assay for the parameters of DNA damage. Significantly increased DNA damage was observed in patients versus the control group as indicated by greater values of tail moment, tail percent DNA and tail length. Following incubation with β-glucan, a substantial reduction was found in the aforementioned parameters of DNA damage. Comet assay revealed significant levels of endogenous DNA damage in patients as shown by remarkable increases in the tail moment, the percentage of DNA in the tail and the tail length values, in comparison with the control group. Following treatment of fresh whole blood with β-glucan incubation, DNA damages were significantly reduced, but lower values were observed after β-glucan incubation in the patient group versus control group. β-Glucan was found to reduce DNA damage substantially in colorectal cancer patients and show antimutagenic effects. Our results suggested that dietary β-glucan intake might be important in the genesis of colorectal cancer tumors.

Significant reduction of radiation dose and DNA damage in 18F- FDG whole-body PET/CT study without compromising diagnostic image quality

ABSTRACT Reduction of radiation dose from medical investigations still remains an important strategy. The combined effect of the reduced injected activity of 18F – FDG, low tube voltage & iodine concentration with iterative reconstruction on image quality, radiation dose, and DNA damage in patients undergoing PET/CT examination were examined. The study includes 16 patients who underwent PET/CT investigation twice using two different protocols; standard & new. A new protocol was followed during follow-up after 4–6 months. All acquisition and reconstruction parameters were the same in both protocols, except administered activity, iodine concentration and CT tube voltage which was reduced. Image quality was assessed using various parameters. Effective dose from PET/CT was assessed using CTDIvol and ICRP coefficients. DNA damage analysis was performed using comet and γ-H2AX assay. No significant difference was noted in quality parameters between two protocols (p > 0.05) except CT noise level (p < 0.05). Mean iodine dose, total radiation dose, mean foci and TM in the new protocol were found significantly lower than standard PET/CT (p < 0.05). There were 26.68% reduction in radiation dose, 10% reduction in contrast load, 20.31% reduction in the number of foci and 17.67% reduction in TM was noted with optimized protocol.

Relationships between paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, total oxidant status, and DNA damage

IntroductionStructural and electrophysiological changes play a critical role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although the pathophysiology of paroxysmal AF (PAF) has not been fully elucidated, oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage appear to be important triggers. Thus far, no studies have investigated the relationships among total oxidant status (TOS), DNA damage, and PAF. The goal of this study was to assess TOS and DNA damage in patients with PAF. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 56 patients with PAF and 31 healthy controls. OS was assessed based on TOS, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI). The level of DNA damage was assessed using 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics. However, patients with PAF had significantly higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p=0.018), TOS (p=0.001), OSI (p=0.001), and 8-OHdG (p=0.019) levels, compared with the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum TOS level (odds ratio: 1.608; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.188-2.176, p=0.002) was the only independent predictor of PAF. TOS ≥12.2 predicted PAF with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 76% (AUC: 0.785, 95% CI: 0.687-0.883, p<0.001). ConclusionWe found that TOS and DNA damage were significantly greater in patients with PAF than in the control group. Therefore, we propose that TOS and DNA damage can be used to detect patients at higher risk of AF.

Importance of elements, vitamin D levels, and DNA damage in patients with asbestosis and mesothelioma

Importance of elements, vitamin D levels, and DNA damage in patients with asbestosis and mesothelioma

Vitamin D level and endogenous DNA damage in patients with cancers in Duhok city, KRG-Iraq

IntroductionMany clinical and pre-clinical studies suggested the protective effect of vitamin D against cancer development and cancer progression. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide, and its link to DNA damage is worthy to study. It has been shown that vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of cancer with a favorable prognosis. Studies on DNA damage in different types of cancer and its link to plasma vitamin D has not been found in literature. Patients and methodsIn this study we included 45 patients with different types of cancers and 35 healthy individuals as controls. The plasma vitamin D levels were measured in all participants. DNA damage levels of peripheral blood (mononuclear) cells in 45 newly diagnosed and untreated cancer patients and in 35 healthy individuals were measured using Alkaline Comet Assay technique. ResultsThe DNA damage observed in cancer patients was significantly higher than in healthy individuals. Interestingly, we have found a significant inverse correlation between the plasma levels of vitamin D and DNA damage in cancer patients (p < 0.0001) and in healthy individuals (p < 0.001). ConclusionThere is an inverse association between endogenous DNA damage and plasma vitamin D levels. Patients with vitamin D deficiency show highest levels of DNA damage suggesting that deficiency of vitamin D is probably one of the factors which increases the risk of cancer.

Pilot Study on Malnutrition and DNA Damage in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Gastrointestinal Tumors: Is DNA Damage Reversible by Early Individualized Nutritional Support?

Nutritional support (NS) in patients with malignancies and malnutrition improves outcome and treatment tolerance. The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. We aimed to investigate for the first time the influence of an early individualized NS in newly diagnosed patients with gastrointestinal/hepato-pancreatic malignancies and malnutrition on DNA damage, oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation. This prospective case-control study included 43 patients with newly diagnosed malignancies and malnutrition. At baseline (F0), we documented patients' data, oncological diagnosis, comorbidities, alcohol/ nicotine consume. Nutritional parameters, DNA damage [histone-variant H2AX phosphorylated on the 139-serine residue (γ-H2AX) foci/cell], oxidative status, subclinical inflammation were measured. During diagnostic workup, patients received an individualized NS, and got a follow-up before the start of treatment (F1), (n=21). Healthy controls (n=21) were included for comparison of DNA damage at baseline. γ-H2AX-values at baseline were higher than in controls (p<0.001) and higher than after the NS at F1 (p=0.011). Patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms (SGS) had higher baseline foci compared to patients with mild gastrointestinal symptoms (MGS) at F0 (p<0.001) and showed a stronger decrease of DNA damage under NS (p=0.002). Laboratory data were stable, with tendential reduction in oxidative stress, without progression of subclinical inflammation. The number of γ-H2AX foci did not differ among patients divided by sex, age, nicotine or alcohol intake or the presence of distant metastases. Increased baseline DNA damage in patients with newly diagnosed tumors and malnutrition decreased under pretherapeutic NS, independent of other known genotoxic factors. This contributes towards understanding the positive effects of early NS in cancer management.